MORELL Maison is hoping to complete the signing of a new centre-back as Halesowen Town put their play-off credentials to the test at leaders Farnborough Town tomorrow.

The Yeltz have to rule out evergreen Matt Clarke as the former Redditch United defender serves a one-match ban after accumulating five bookings.

But his absence means Maison only has Dennis Pearce as a specialist centre-back.

Maison, however, should welcome back Daryl Taylor after his move from Hinckley Town was described as a “done deal”.

Back-to-back draws have knocked Halesowen out of the top five in the British Gas Business Premier, but they are only three points off second-placed Corby Town.

Maison insists they will be unfazed when they take on runaway leaders Farnborough, who are six points ahead of Corby.

“I’m going looking for the three points – we have chalked up some good wins away from home and there’s no reason why we can’t pick up another,” he said.

Stourbridge will be awaiting the details of a scan on Leon Broadhurst’s troublesome knee which could decide whether he plays any further part in their season. He will be ruled out of tomorrow’s home game against fourth-placed Cambridge City.

Dave Bridgwater will join him on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury in Wednesday night’s goalless draw at Corby while James Dyson is still a week away from fitness following a foot injury.

James Blake will miss Evesham United’s trip to Oxford City but there is good news too for the midfielder.

It had been feared the hamstring injury sustained in the defeat at Merthyr Tydfil ten days ago could have mean a month-long lay-off but the problem is not as bad as first feared and he could make a return next Saturday.

Defender Danny Hodnett is back available tomorrow after his two-game ban.